Paddle ball game

ABSTRACT

A paddle ball game system for use with multiple players is provided. The paddle ball game system including a plurality of paddles, a ball, and a pair of containers each including at least one opening that is configured to receive the ball after the ball is hit by a player using at least one of the plurality of paddles.

PRIORITY

The present disclosure claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/178,710, which was filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Apr. 20, 2015, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a paddle ball game, and more particularly, to a paddle ball game including a pair of containers that are configured to receive or get hit by a ball hit by a player using a paddle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various prior art games are well known, but they tend to be relatively complicated and require knowledge and/or skills beyond that of a normal player.

Handball, racquetball and tennis are examples of such games, played on a marked court and requiring a player to make decisions as to whether and where a ball should be played or returned. Each of these known games has specific rules for playing the game.

However, the known apparatus, games and methods are markedly different than the present invention.

SUMMARY

As can be appreciated, a paddle ball game including a pair of containers that are configured to receive or get hit by a ball hit by a player using a paddle may prove useful in recreational surroundings.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a paddle ball game system for use with multiple players is provided. The paddle ball game system including a plurality of paddles, a ball, and a pair of containers each including at least one opening that is configured to receive the ball after the ball is hit by a player using at least one of the plurality of paddles.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for playing a paddle ball game for use with multiple players. The method includes providing each player of the multiple players with a paddle, providing a ball that is to be hit by at least one of the players, providing first and second opposing containers that are spaced approximately twenty feet apart from each other, each of the first and second opposing containers including a pair of openings each configured to receive ball after the ball is hit by a player using their paddle, having a player who is standing next to the first container hit the ball with their paddle toward the second container which another player is standing next to, wherein hitting the container scores a first point value, getting the ball into one of the openings scores a second point value, and getting the ball into the other opening scores a third point value, and continuing playing of the game by the players until a predetermined number of points is reached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paddle ball game system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a container of the paddle ball game system, with the container shown in an unassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C is various views of the container shown in FIG. 2, with the container shown in an assembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the paddle ball game system shown set up ready for play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

As noted above, a paddle ball game including a pair of containers that are configured to receive or get hit by a ball hit by a player using a paddle may prove useful in recreational surroundings, and such a game is herein described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paddle ball game system 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The paddle ball game system 10 includes a first container 12 and a second container 14, a plurality of paddles 16 (paddle 16), and at least one ball 18.

The paddle 16 includes a generally circular striking/hitting surface 20 used for hitting the ball 18 (both sides of the paddle 16 have a hitting surface 20), and a handle 22 having a generally elongated configuration used for grasping the paddle 16. A logo or other suitable markings may be provided on one or both of the hitting surfaces 20. Rubber or other suitable material may be provided on the handle 22 to facilitate grasping the handle 22, or may be provided on the hitting surface 20.

The paddle 16 may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, or combination thereof. If made from wood, the paddle 16 may be coated with one or more suitable materials (e.g., stain, shellac, polyurethane, etc.) to prevent warping, chipping, etc.

Since the first container 12 and the second container 14 are identical, only a description of the first container 12 is herein provided.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate various views of the first container 12 of the paddle ball game system 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first container 12 is made from a relatively rigid plastic having a thickness that ranges from about 1.3 mm to about 1.8 mm; however, other materials can be used, and the thickness may vary depending on the plastic used to make the container 12. One such plastic is Medium-Density PolyEthylene (MDPE) orange Ultra Violet (UV) 0.065 35″×58″ soft matte.

Markings/logos 32 can be provided along a perimeter of apertures 28 and 30 which helps a player identify a position of the apertures 28, 30. For illustrative purposes, only the aperture 28 is shown having markings. As can be appreciated, the markings can also help a player identify the apertures 28, 30 when playing the paddle ball game system 10 in a poorly lit environment, e.g., playing at dusk.

The first container 12 is convertible from an unassembled configuration (FIG. 2) for transporting the first container 12 to a playing environment (e.g., beach, park, field, indoor arena, etc.) to an assembled configuration (FIGS. 3A-3C) for playing the paddle ball game system 10.

In the unassembled configuration the width (from upper corner to upper corner, see FIG. 2 for example) of the first container 12 can range from about 53 inches to about 57 inches; however, the width can be less than or greater than 53 inches and greater than 57 inches. Moreover, in the unassembled configuration the height (from a lower corner to an upper edge, see FIG. 2 for example) of the first container 12 can range from about 26 inches to about 30 inches; however, the height can be less than or greater than 26 inches and greater than 30 inches.

A plurality of tabs 24 are provided on an outside edge of the first container 12 and are configured to engage a corresponding plurality of paired apertures 26 that are provided adjacent an opposing outside edge for converting the first container 12 to the assembled configuration from the unassembled configuration.

The aperture 28 is formed through a center of the first container 12 and is configured to receive the ball 18. The aperture 28 has a diameter that ranges from about 95 mm to about 105 mm (FIGS. 3A-3C); however, the diameter can be less than or greater than 95 mm and greater than 105 mm.

In the assembled configuration, a distance from a playing surface (e.g., a surface that supports the container 12) to a center of the aperture 28 is approximately 450 mm and a circumference of a bottom portion of the first container 12 is approximately 440 mm (FIGS. 3A-3C).

Moreover, in the assembled configuration, the first container 12 forms a frustoconical configuration with the aperture 30 being formed at a top portion (apex) of the first container 12 (FIGS. 3A-3C). Similar to the aperture 28, the aperture 30 is also configured to receive the ball 18. The aperture 30 has a diameter that ranges from about 195 mm to about 205 mm; however, the diameter can be less than or greater than 195 mm and greater than 205 mm.

With reference to FIG. 4, a method of using the paddle ball game system 10 is described.

To set up the paddle ball game system 10, the first container 12 and second container 14 are assembled and placed 20-30 feet apart; the exact distance can be altered depending on a skill level of the players. For example, the first container 12 and the second container 14 can be placed less than or greater than 20 feet apart and greater than 30 feet apart.

Two teams of two players each are chosen and each team member is positioned on opposite ends of the playing field behind a respective one of the containers 12, 14.

After the teammates are in position, a match begins when a team member hits the ball 18 towards an opposing one of the container 12, 14, if the ball 18 hits the opposing container 12, 14 that team obtains two points. If on the other hand, the ball is hit through the aperture 30 of the opposing containers 12, 14, that team obtains four points, and if the ball is hit through the aperture 28 of the opposing containers 12, 14, that team obtains six points. The first team to obtain exactly twenty one points wins the match.

If a team goes over twenty one points, then points are deducted from that team. For example, if the team has twenty points and a team member hits it though the aperture 28 of the opposing containers 12, 14, six points are deducted from that teams' score, i.e., that team will now have fourteen points.

In one variation of the paddle ball game system 10, a “direct hit” results when a team member hits the ball 18 against one of the opposing containers 12, 14, without any assistance from their teammate.

In one variation of the paddle ball game system 10, an “assisted shot” results when a team member passes the ball 18 to their teammate who hits the ball 18 into/against the container that is adjacent the teammate. In this instance, the points are halved. For example, if a team member hits the ball 18 to their teammate and the teammate then hits the ball 18 into the container, that team will obtain one point as opposed to two points.

In one variation of the paddle ball game system 10, a “paddle pass” results when a team member passes the ball 18 to their teammate who sets the team member (the passer) up for a shot. The passer would run across the playing field and attempt to hit the ball 18 (presumably a lofted ball) into/against the container that is adjacent their teammate. In this instance, the point values are doubled. For example, if a team member hits the ball 18 to their teammate and the teammate then hits (lofts) the ball 18 into the air and the passer hits the ball 18 through the aperture 30 of the container adjacent their teammate, that team will obtain 8 points as opposed to four points.

In one variation of the paddle ball game system 10, a “wipeout” is when an “assisted shot,” as described above, results in the ball being hit into the aperture 28, thus in addition to that team obtaining three points the opposing team loses all their points.

In one variation of the paddle ball game system 10, a “game over” is when a “paddle pass,” as described above, results in the ball being hit into the aperture 28, which automatically ends the game.

In one variation of the paddle ball game system 10, a “freestyle shot” is when an “assisted shot,” as described above, is performed in a unique manner, e.g., from behind the back of a player, through the legs of a player, or a player making a diving shot, resulting in the ball 18 being hit into/against the container.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, while the paddles have been described herein as being identical to each other, the present disclosure is not so limited. More particularly, the paddles 16 can have different configurations. For example, a first paddle can have a first configuration (e.g., a hitting surface with a circular configuration) or a second paddle can have a second configuration (e.g., a hitting surface with an elongated configuration). In this instance, a player can choose between paddle configurations. For example, when attempting a “paddle pass” or a “freestyle shot,” a player may choose the second paddle having the hitting surface with the elongated configuration, which may aid in the player making their shot.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A paddle ball game system for use with multiple players comprising: a plurality of paddles; a ball; and a pair of containers each including at least one opening that is configured to receive the ball after the ball is hit by a player using at least one of the plurality of paddles.
 2. The paddle ball game system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of paddles includes at least four paddles.
 3. The paddle ball game system according to claim 1, wherein each container of the pair of containers is convertible from an unassembled configuration to an assembled configuration.
 4. The paddle ball game system according to claim 3, wherein in the assembled configuration each container of the pair of containers includes a generally frustoconical configuration.
 5. The paddle ball game system according to claim 4, wherein each container of the pair of containers includes at least two openings, a first opening that is provided at an apex of each of the containers and a second opening that is provided along a front surface of each of the containers.
 6. The paddle ball game system according to claim 1, wherein each paddle of the plurality of paddles includes a hitting surface having a generally circular configuration and a handle having a generally elongated configuration.
 7. The paddle ball game system according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the paddles of the plurality of paddles have a first configuration and at least two paddles of the plurality of paddles have a second configuration that is different from the first configuration.
 8. The paddle ball game system according to claim 1, wherein the pair of containers are made from plastic.
 9. The paddle ball game system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two openings has a diameter that ranges from about 150 mm to about 210 mm and at least one of the two openings has a diameter that ranges from about 80 mm to about 110 mm.
 10. A method for playing a paddle ball game for use with multiple players comprising: providing each player of the multiple players with a paddle; providing a ball that is to be hit by at least one of the players; providing first and second opposing containers that are spaced approximately twenty feet apart from each other, each of the first and second opposing containers including a pair of openings each configured to receive ball after the ball is hit by a player using their paddle; having a player who is standing next to the first container hit the ball with their paddle toward the second container which another player is standing next to, wherein hitting the container scores a first point value, getting the ball into one of the openings scores a second point value, and getting the ball into the other opening scores a third point value; and continuing playing of the game by the players until a predetermined number of points is reached.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein each of the first and second containers is convertible from an unassembled configuration to an assembled configuration.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein in the assembled configuration each of the first and second containers includes a generally frustoconical configuration.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein each paddle includes a hitting surface having a generally circular configuration and a handle having a generally elongated configuration.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the pair of openings has a diameter that ranges from about 150 mm to about 210 mm and at least one of the pair of openings has a diameter that ranges from about 80 mm to about 110 mm.
 15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first point value, the second point value, and the third point value are different from each other. 